Rihanna has delayed the start of her upcoming world tour because of production problems

The 'Diamonds' hitmaker was due to go out on the road in support of her new album 'Anti' later this month, but the gigs have been postponed because of production problems, her representative has confirmed.

Nine shows - including stops in San Diego, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, New Orleans, Oakland, and San Jose - have been postponed and will now take place in May.

The tour will now begin on March 12 in Jacksonville, Florida.

News of the delay comes days after Rihanna cancelled her performance at the Grammy awards on Monday (15.02.16) at the last minute due to health problems.

Her spokesperson said at the time: "Based on Rihanna's examination, after Grammy rehearsal today, Rihanna's doctor put her on vocal rest for 48-hours because she was at risk of hemorrhaging her vocal chords.

"The antibiotics she has been on for three days did not kill the infection adequately, therefore she cannot perform safely."

The 27-year-old singer later posted an apology to her fans for missing the show.

She tweeted: "#NAVY so sorry I couldn't be there ..... Thanks Grammys and CBS for your support tonight."